Great Lakes Circle Tour
The Great Lakes Circle Tour heads north into Canada traveling around the five Great Lakes: Michigan, Erie, Ontario, Superior and Huron. Plus, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime experience of checking out the infamous Niagara Falls. The 2,500-mile nine-day tour will start with a ride to Wisconsin then up to Minnesota where you’ll cross the border into Canada.
You will experience the curves and turns and views of riding near the historic lakes. As you head back into the U.S. you will ride to New York stopping at the historical Niagara Falls then traveling from the East coast back to the Midwest to complete the circle. A tour full of spectacular views, scenery & fun attractions. Secure your spot today!
| DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION | Chicago/ORD | ||||||||||||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight. | ||||||||||||||||||
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| NOTE |
“At Explorify Tours we believe that good experiences and camaraderie are at least as important as the tour. Our goal is to fill your tour bag with as many positive memories as possible, so you go home with a big smile on your face. And with friends, you didn’t have before you started your adventure tour.” |
Day 1: Departure - Arrival Chicago, IL
Welcome to Chicago!
When all tour participants have arrived, we meet for a welcome reception and refreshments, with an introduction of all tour participants and tour leaders. The evening’s program is about getting to know each other. Those who are not tired after the long journey may go to a local bar nearby.
Day 2: Chicago - Eau Claire, Wi
(Driving day 1: 489 km/304 miles)
When everyone is ready on their bikes, we embark on our 4.600 km (2.900 miles) long journey. Chicago disappears behind us as we ride into beautiful Wisconsin. We head to Eau Clair where we spend our first evening together.
Day 3: Eau Claire - Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
(Driving day 2: 533 km/249 miles)
Today you will cross the border into Canada. We head north and drive through Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest before we reach Duluth, where we take a pit stop, and enjoy our first looks at the beautiful Lake Superior. Enjoy your first leg on the beautiful ride on Hwy 61 along Lake Superior. We continue driving through the Canadian border before we drive into Thunder Bay, which is legendary for its long ski jump slopes.
Day 4: Thunder Bay - Wawa, Ontario, Canada
(Driving day 3: 477 km/296 miles)
We continue our magical ride on Hwy 17 along Lake Superior. We drive by Pukaskwa Nat Park before we reach Wawa, which is located close to the lake and Lake Superior Park.
Day 5: Wawa - Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
(Driving day 4: 532 km/339 miles)
We continue south along the spectacular eastern shores of Lake Superior and deep into Lake Superior Provincial Park. It will be a beautiful ride in remote areas surrounded by lakes and forests. When we reach Sault Ste. Marie, we eat lunch along the historic Sault Ste. Marie Canal, separating the US and Canada. From here we turn our direction east to continue enjoying the scenic trek along the US and Canada borders. The days’ end takes us to Greater Sudbury, the largest city in Northern Ontario where we’ll mix with the locals of a neighborhood eatery of this historic mining town. Get ready for a night of true Canadian lore.
Day 6: Sudbury - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
(Driving day 5: 484 km/301 miles)
We continue our spectacular ride on Canada’s Hwy 148. We enjoy the views as we ride along Lake Nippising, before we continue to Canada’s famous capital Ottawa, where we will spend the evening exploring this fascinating city.
Day 7: Ottawa - Victor, NY
(Driving day 6: 409 km/254 miles)
Today we leave Canada and head south back on US grounds. We head towards Alexandra Bay, and start our ride along beautiful Lake Ontario. We continue to Victor, where we will spend the evening.
Day 8: Victor - Niagara Falls - Hamburg, NY
(Driving day 7: 234 km/145 miles)
Today will be a spectacular day for the history books. We ride to the legendary Niagara Falls, where will visit Niagara Falls National Park. Its breathtaking views & scenery, and we spend enough time here to capture all impressions. Just make to have your cameras ready!
When we have absorbed Niagara Falls, we head to Hamburg, which has its name from its German name brother.
Day 9: Hamburg - Freemont, OH
(Driving day 8: 425 km/264 miles)
Today we will ride along another of the Great Lakes: Lake Eire. We spend the whole day riding over 400 km / 250 miles along this beautiful lake. We make a stop in Cleveland before we head to Fremont, which is our end destination.
Day 10: Freemont - Chicago, IL
(Driving day 8: 425 km/264 miles)
Every great adventure has an end, as do ours. Today will be our last riding day, as we had back to Chicago.
We head towards Lake Michigan and Chicago, return our bikes and switch to normal gear. We celebrate our Great Lakes ride and eat a farewell dinner together.
Day 11: Departure Chicago - Home Travel
We say goodbye to Great Lakes & Canada adventures and return home. Group travel by shuttle to the airport. Thanks for a great ride, good times and sincerely thank you for choosing to tour with JoyRides.
We wish you a safe trip home and hope to see you again on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Oceania or Europe.
Note: Because of the time difference travelers from Europe will arrive home the date/day after departing the US.
Also: This program is a guideline for activities and experiences on the tour. Deviations may occur, but we guarantee that our positive tour leaders will do their utmost to execute the program as described – as far as it is feasible and circumstances allow. We are continually working to improve the program, thus you may experience positive surprises.
Prices (USD)
From $4 295
From $5 195
From $2 995
From $3 895